Assembly Resolution No. 1031

BY: M. of A. Fahy

COMMEMORATING the 10th Anniversary of the Delmar
Farmers Market on May 5, 2018

WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon
which our distinct American heritage is built; New York State and the
entire United States are dependent on our agricultural industry for a
variety of food products; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Delmar Farmers Market to be
celebrated at its opening day on Saturday, May 5, 2018; and

WHEREAS, For its upcoming 10th season, the Delmar Farmers Market in
Delmar, New York, will prohibit the use of plastic bags by vendors, a
change which affirms the Market's long time mission to promote
environmental awareness, lead the way in sustainability, and serve as a
responsible template for farmers markets across the state; and

WHEREAS, It takes 12 million barrels of oil to supply the United
States with one year's worth of plastic bags; at least 95 percent of
plastic bags end up in landfills, on streets or in the waterways; more
than 100,000 marine mammals and sea turtles are killed each year by
eating or becoming tangled in plastic bags; and

WHEREAS, The Delmar Farmers Market will provide its vendors with 100
percent post-consumer, waste-recycled paper bags for customers who do
not bring their own containers; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, Anne Benware, Jean Gerbini, and Paul Tick decided
that there should be a farmers market in their Delmar community; in
February of that year, a meeting was held at the home of Paul Tick and
Agnes Zellin, with several neighbors in attendance; at this time, Mark
Warford, Assistant Principal of the Bethlehem Central Middle School was
chosen as President of the Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, Paul Tick, who went on to become the first and long-time
manager, had some experience at the Troy Farmers Market; he invited
Karyn Novakowski, a local farmer, to join in the early discussions; she
eventually joined the Board and became the first vendor at the Delmar
Farmers Market; and

WHEREAS, In the spring of 2009, the first market was held in the
Bethlehem Central Middle School's parking lot; as fall approached, the
market was originally held in the Delmar Presbyterian Church Hall; after
a few years, it was decided that the cafeteria of the middle school
would provide a more convenient setting; and

WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings, the Delmar Farmers Market has
grown to became a highly successful market and community gathering place
where residents can purchase affordable, convenient, healthy food;
people from all over the area come to the market, looking for the

reddest round apples for a snack, or the sweetest ear of corn for
dinner; and

WHEREAS, After seven years of service, Paul Tick left his position
as Manager in 2016; however, he is still a vital participant of the
current 15-member Board; Ken Myer, a veteran of the food industry who
brings a wealth of experience to the market, assumed the title of
Manager; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Delmar Farmers Market is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its staff, and many volunteers whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the institution and the
community it serves; and

WHEREAS, Farmers' markets help to develop local and regional food
systems that support family farms, revitalize communities, provide
opportunities for farmers and consumers to interact, promote
environmental sustainability, and support our economy in New York State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Delmar Farmers Market on May 5,
2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ken Myer, Manager, Delmar Farmers Market.